Lisa Lynn Taylor Hartmann

INVOCATION

Welcome, family and loved ones. We are gathered here today, surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to celebrate the joining of Maddie and Ben in marriage.

This declaration of commitment means so much more because it is shared with Maddie and Ben’s most beloved friends and family members. As Proust said, 'Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.'

Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it forever.

You don't have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. So why do we do it? The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society. We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others. Why this moment?

Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share. It's the great unifier - our one universal truth. That no matter who we are, where we've come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we're doing right. That's why you both are standing here.

That's why you all are here to watch them stand up here. We have all loved in our lifetimes, and at this moment, we're reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

Today and always, we're here to hope with you, to support you, to be proud of you, and to remind you that love isn't happily ever after, love is the experience of writing your story. It's not one moment - not even this moment. It's every moment. Big ones like saying 'I love you,' moving in together, getting engaged - but mostly a million little ones that come in between the big moments. Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together, spending holidays with your families, binge-watching Netflix shows, getting a big hug when you get home from work… These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.

And even though we describe love in different ways - and even though love can look different from one person to the next - we all know it when we see it. And we see it here.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

You have chosen to write your vows, and it is with these words you express your binding promises to love, honor, and cherish one another. If you are ready to make these promises to each other I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions.

Ben, when you're ready you may begin.

Maddie, when you're ready you may begin.

RINGS EXCHANGE

Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us. The rings you are about to place on each other's fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of the vows you have just spoken, and of the eternal love that you have for one another.

Ben, place the ring on Maddie's finger and repeat after me.

I promise to stand by you, have faith in you, and encourage you.

I promise to listen, laugh, and hold you.

I will value our differences as much as our common ground.

And I promise to be your friend, lover, and partner for all the days of your life as your husband.

Always.

Now, Maddie, place the ring on Ben's finger and repeat after me.

I promise to stand by you, have faith in you, and encourage you.

I promise to listen, laugh, and hold you.

I will value our differences as much as our common ground.

And I promise to be your friend, lover, and partner for all the days of your life as your wife.

Always.

The Hand Ceremony

And now as you are holding hands take a moment, so that you may see the gift that you are to each other.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Maddie and Ben,

May all your days be blessed with love and friendship.

May your home be filled with laughter.

May you find peacefulness and beauty, humor and insight, healing and renewal, and love and wisdom.

May you always feel that what you have is enough.

PRONOUNCEMENT

By the power given to me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the great State of Michigan, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss your Bride!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Richmond!